The actively traded May contract rose $2.12, or 2.1 percent, to settle at $102.56 a barrel. It was the highest price for oil in a month.

There were more signs of unrest in Ukraine on Tuesday. Security forces ousted pro-Russian protesters from an occupied government building in the eastern city of Kharkiv, while regional administration headquarters in Donetsk remained under protesters' control. They are demanding referendums on the regions' status, which could pave the way for further annexations by Russia.

Other energy futures also rose.

Gold and other metals prices also rose. Agricultural contracts also closed higher.